Currently Eyeing: 35 Preppy and Grand Millennial Coffee Mugs

A few weeks ago over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), some of my home decor posts from a few years ago (see all of them here!) started to gain traction. Andddd this newfound social media traction in the interior design realm of things got me wanting to start sharing more of it with y’all on all of my channels! It was really exciting to see something that I hadn’t really focused on sharing as much in recent times gain so much excitement amongst my audience and even attract new friends to my audience. SO, nevertheless, thank YOU for your support and for being here! I am SO excited to share more home decor content here, including today’s blog post. One of my favorite things to collect that I use multiple times a day at home and I know YOU do too is … MUGS. One of the BEST things about mugs is that they’re usually a low cost and high use product to add to your kitchen. So, today I have rounded up several adorable preppy and grand millennial coffee mugs to add to your collection.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Luckily for YOU, I have already done the shopping and rounded up 35 preppy and grand millennial coffee mugs most of which are budget-friendly with a few splurges in between. SO, why not treat yourself to a brand-new preppy and grand millennial coffee mug?!?!

35 Preppy and Grand Millennial Coffee Mugs

Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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12 Hours in Connemara, Ireland

While I was in Ireland on my *first-ever* solo trip back in April 2024 to Ireland (read more about my experiences at the following: Cork County, Cliffs of Moher, Trinity College, Glendalough, Belfast, and Giant’s Causeway), I *just knew* that I wanted to see Kylemore Abbey located in the unique Irish region of Connemara while I was there without hopping in a car to drive on the opposite side of the road (see a list of car-free day trips here). Initially, I was planning to do an overnight in Galway – a coastal town – but opted not to as I loved the hustle and bustle of Dublin. BUT – many tour operators did not go to Kylemore Abbey from Dublin in April which can be an off-season travel month. Nevertheless, I persisted and found a way to make it to Kylemore Abbey!!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

12 Hours in Connemara, Ireland

I was *truly* fascinated and IN AWE with the entire region of Connemara, Ireland: the home of Kylemore Abbey. Needless to say, I am SOOO glad that it made it to Connemara while in the Emerald Isle, as I was blown away by its unique scenery and beauty. I had NEVER seen anything like Connemara before!

About:

Kylemore Abbey is located in Ireland’s distinct Connemara region. Connemara is rather remote for Ireland (which is a country the size of the state of South Carolina in the United States!), yet boasts some unique stories. With a population of ~32,000 people, Connemara is the only region in Ireland where the majority of its population speaks the native Irish language. In fact, Irish families send their kids in ~middle school-high school for a Summer away to stay with a host family in Connemara to learn their native tongue. I learned from my tour guide that some of the Irish’s Summers away in Connemara were where many teenagers experienced their first kiss, went to parties, went on dates, and more! Connemara’s economy is mostly focused on agriculture, fishing, artisan crafts, and tourism. One of the most distinct things about Connemara is its gorgeously unique landscapes and scenery playing homage to Ireland’s only fjord (more on that below!).

As for Kylemore Abbey, was built by Mitchell and Margaret Henry in the late 1800s and are responsible for restoration of Connemara’s economy which has since provided several jobs and economic stability to the region and its people. Since 1920, Kylemore Abbey has become a Benedictine Abbey: home to the Benedictine nuns who retreated there during World War 1 and have been there ever since. Today, the first floor of Kylemore Abbey is open to visitors alongside its gorgeous Victorian Walled Gardens, a chapel, and lakeside grounds.

Tour Operator:

Lally Tours was the ONLY tour operator that offered an option for people to visit Kylemore Abbey and Connemara from Dublin in early April. The tour started off with complimentary bus tickets to/from Dublin and Galway and then a pickup/drop off adjacent to the Galway bus station for my Connemara tour. The tour via Lally Tours was excellent and offered great views and facts of Connemara.

Where We Went:

Killary Fjord – Ireland’s only fjord! I had never seen a fjord until visiting Killary Fjord. My tour bus offered a brief stop at Killary Fjord located in Northern Connemara to enjoy its gorgeous scenery!

Kylemore Abbey – The main point of interest and stop of the tour (although my tour did offer an option in lieu of Kylemore Abbey at Connemara National Park). I had a few highlights at Kylemore Abbey while there. First off, I LOVED getting to tour the first floor interiors of Kylemore Abbey, which are a grand millennial’s paradise (!!!!) and see ALLL of the late 1800’s styles on the mannequins and within its interiors. The hand-painted and uniquely designed wallpaper is gorgeous and is always a highlight for me. Second, I adored the Victorian Walled Gardens, despite it being an ultra-windy day and lots of the flowers not being at their peak bloom yet alongside the lovely lakeside walk to the Abbey’s chapel to say a prayer. The nature is seriously lovely here and perfect for some lovely strolls. And, last but not least, I still CANNOT stop thinking about that delicious salmon quiche I had at the onsite restaurant – ONE of the best lunches I’ve ever had! Kylemore Abbey was truly an amazing experience for me and a major high of my entire Ireland adventure.

Connemara – The scenery and landscape in Connemara is like no other! Connemara is such a unique place and I had never seen any place like it!! While it was a super windy day when I visited, I opted to take most of the scenic Connemara photos on the bus route from the window of my seat.

Wrap-Up:

Being transparent, I went into this tour with the intention of visiting Kylemore Abbey. However, I left this tour with a whole new perspective and knowledge base of a unique region of Ireland I never knew existed til I stepped foot on the bus that took me there! Connemara is a beautiful region with such distinct character historically and economically and scenery wise. I am excited to visit again as I was indeed BLOWN AWAY!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Living Room!

Long time, NO home decor! I have been living in the Washington, DC area for almost four years now and have *finally* gotten around to sharing the details on my living room. In the past few years, I have shared with y’all my bedroom, kitchen, bar cart, office space, and most recently my rattan bookshelf and welcome console. Throughout the years, my interior design style has evolved for the better: from a college student to a young professional. Indeed, my living room is a true testament to that evolving style of mine!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Needless to say, I used to rarely use my living room. Mainly, it was a place to sit and lounge a smidge but mainly whenever my Papa came downstairs to hang or somebody visited. Being transparent over here, I used to be a mega workaholic and spent ALL of my time at my desk in my office space (I highly don’t recommend this!). I spent my 1.5 years of my college experience Zooming into classes from a desk in my bedroom and it unfortunately felt natural to me at the time to continue this into my postgraduate life. So, during my initial postgraduate years, my living room was truly left as a bit of a dump until I decided two years ago to start using it as a place to rest and started setting more boundaries when it came to work and relaxation. As a recovering workaholic, I highly suggest setting boundaries when it comes to your working life and personal life and am happy to talk more about this in another blog post. In 2023, I began to transition after work during from my desk to my couch and truly it has been a wonderful way to wrap up the working day and for my mental health. My living room is a true blessing and reflection of my mental growth and truly allowing myself to slow down and recharge and reflect.

My living room is my happy place during many points of my home life. Believe it or not, I can be a bit of a homebody despite my grand love for travel! And, my living room is one of my *very* favorite spots to be in my entire apartment. It reflects my since evolved style as a preppy college student to a preppy grand millennial young professional with many pops of Katie! I adore spending LOTS of time here in my living room and enjoy hanging here whether solo or with others. Truly, it is a great gathering place!

Additionally, I have linked a few of my living room home decor items that I could find:

Thank YOU so much for being here along for the journey! Perhaps, my living room gives you some inspiration for yourself in some way, shape, or form. Here’s to making more memories in this beautiful space that I’m so grateful to call mine.

XOXO – Katie <3

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